Square Enix, TV5 Team Up for “Final Fantasy” Adaptation

In line with the network’s goal of providing quality programs that appeal to many Filipinos, The Kapatid Network is tapping into an unlikely source of viewers: us gamers. On the heels of their previously-popular miniseries, “I’m in Love with a Dota Player”, local megastation TV5 turns to Square-Enix’ beloved Final Fantasy franchise as inspiration for their next big afternoon soap.

In a blockbuster deal signed last week by TV5’s Head of Broadcast Operations Jeric Mariano and Square Enix CEO Yosuke Matsuda, the network will be slotting in their adaptation of Final Fantasy VIII in their afternoon programming block, now dubbed “Pinakahuling Pantasya.” “It’s a captivating story that will put to test the value of friendship and love and will unravel a well-kept secret of the mercenary force, SeeD. The drama is topbilled by respected actors and actresses in the country,” Mariano states in a press release issued today.

Gelli de Belen

“Pinakahuling Pantasya” combines the best of the old and new generations of acting talents, led by a powerful trio of two veterans and one upcoming young female star in the lead roles. Playing the major roles of Squall and Rinoa will be Jericho Rosales (dubbed “Buhawi” in the localized adaptation) and Angel Locsin, respectively. Performing as beloved goofball Zell isequally-beloved goofball Vhong Navarro, with Alice Dixon, Edu Manzano, and Vin Abrenica rounding out the rest of the cast. The series is helmed by award-winning directors Eric Quizon, Argel Joseph, and Bb. Joyce Bernal.

De Belen on her role as Sorceress Edea Kraemer: “It was hard kasi recession sa States, everybody values their job, so that was my fear na if I leave for a long time, baka mawala yung work ko dun… Then I spoke to my boss, good thing he understood naman. That was the sign na kapag pumayag siya then I’d really push through with TV5’s Pantasya.”

Final Fantasy VIII, released 1999 for the PlayStation has sold over 2 million units worldwide and is one of the most popular RPGs of the late ’90s. TV5 (formerly known as ABC 5) is a major Filipino commercial television network based in Mandaluyong City, Philippines. Owned by TV5 Network, Inc., solely owned by MediaQuest Holdings, Inc. which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of the beneficial trust fund of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company headed by business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan.